Aidan’s Heart Foundation
STARTUP CASE STUDY
The Challenge
When Steven and Christy Silva called us, they were remembering the day they lost their seven-year-old son, Aidan, to Sudden Cardiac Arrest. They wanted to create a public foundation to honor his life and raise awareness.
For the Silvas, starting a nonprofit organization was a deeply personal process, and it was important to them that their vision and roles in the organization would be honored. They wanted very much to be part of the startup process but, with busy schedules, they needed to know that the organization would be set up properly without demanding too much of their time.
How We Helped
Our relationship with the Silvas began with a conversation. We identified their purpose and priorities and helped the foundation successfully transition from a fiscally sponsored project to a self-sustaining 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. In fact, the foundation received its 501(c)(3) approval from the IRS just three months after we submitted its application. And the full transition was completed in a way that protected the Silvas’ resources, vision and roles. During the process, we provided guidance on board composition, lobbying and fundraising compliance, tax filing obligations, communications with donors and more.
Outcome
Aidan’s Heart Foundation is making a significant impact in raising awareness for Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Its hosting of heart screenings and funding for placement of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) throughout Chester County, Pennsylvania was instrumental in the Pennsylvania Senate’s approval of Aidan’s Law, which established a process through which PA schools can acquire AEDs at discounted prices. Through our working relationship throughout the start-up process, the foundation’s leadership better understands its legal obligations and knows we are on call for questions as they arise.
